Consumer preferences for leftover packaging in food waste utilization

Abstract In the context of global efforts to reduce food waste, consumer behavior in public dining settings remains an underexplored area particularly the emotionally charged decision to request packaging for uneaten food. This study addresses this gap by examining how perceived social judgment, specifically the fear of being seen as “stingy,” mediates the relationship between age and consumers’ willingness to package leftovers in restaurants. Guided by the theory of planned behavior and social norms theory, the study surveyed 391 U.S.-based participants and utilized Hayes’ PROCESS Model 4 to test the indirect effects. Findings reveal that while age does not directly predict leftover packaging behavior, it significantly influences perceptions of stinginess, which in turn affect consumer decisions. Older individuals were less likely to perceive packaging behavior as socially shameful, thereby showing greater acceptance of the practice. This research advances theoretical understanding by integrating emotional and normative dimensions into models of sustainable consumption. It also offers practical implications: restaurants and policymakers can normalize leftover packaging through emotionally aware communication strategies, particularly targeting younger demographics who are more sensitive to peer judgment. Moreover, attention must be paid to the environmental trade-offs of increased packaging; encouraging the use of biodegradable or recyclable materials can ensure that food waste reduction efforts do not lead to new sustainability problems. While limited to a single cultural context, this study highlights the importance of considering socio-emotional and cultural factors in sustainability behaviors. Future cross-cultural research is essential to examine how moral emotions and social norms shape sustainable choices across diverse societies.